Experienced "pre-punch builder" starting an RV-6 fuse build
 

Hi guys,

I just purchased a slow build fuse, any words of wisdom or advice on starting a 6? I have lots of experience building an rv8, rv7, and rv9.

Btw, why doesn't vans publish data on the rv6?

Click on the "News and Events" tab on Van's website, then click "Archives", then lastly "RV -6/6A". Hopefully this gives you the data that you are looking for.

John
RV6A (C-FNLY)

What's an RV-6 ? :p

It is on Van's website but they do not publish or link to the URL.

Click on any of the RV Aircraft. Once the page opens, go up to the URL listed on your browser and edit the number of the RV you clicked on to 6.

In other words, http://vansaircraft.com/public/rv7.htm for the RV-7 becomes http://vansaircraft.com/public/rv6.htm for the RV-6.

If memory serves, (it may not because it's been a long time), the F604 bulkhead must be matched with the specific wing that you will be using.

Back years ago, don't know if these guys still do the job, but most folks would have a Phlogiston spar made. This was a company that if you chose to, Vans would send them your spar parts and they would drill, alodine, anodize, and rivet the main spar for you and match drill the F604. It was well worth the cost to have this done.

If you don't have your wing yet, in the meantime you can be prepping each bulkhead, build your firewall, seats, battery box, borrow or build a jig, etc.

The RV-6(A)s is the most successful built and flown homebuilt of all time. More RV-6(A)'s have been completed and flown than any other homebuilt. It will be 30-years since the first RV-6 first took flight next year. It was designed by hand and built from BLUEPRINTS. I was replaced by the computer designed RV-7(A). Van's still sells RV-6 parts and kits but they no longer offer new starts on the RV-6 as it was replaced in the new model lineup with the RV-7(A).

Rv6 info
 

Ok, thanks for the links. I was able to find rv6 with all your help, seems like vans I'd seriously phasing out this model.

I've read post about "early & late" model rv6, and pre-punch and non pre-punch. Did/does vans pre-punch skins & ribs for later rv6?

I know models rv7,8,9,10,12, and 14 are prepunch.

Btw: the rv6 I purchased does have the "philosgen" spars (did I spell that right?)

Definitely look forward to talking to you guys over the next 3 months tip I finish this project!

Rv6 info
 

Ok, thanks for the links. I was able to find rv6 with all your help, seems like vans Is seriously phasing out this model.

I've read post about "early & late" model rv6, and pre-punch and non pre-punch. Did/does vans pre-punch skins & ribs for later rv6?

I know models rv7,8,9,10,12, and 14 are prepunch.

Btw: the rv6 I purchased does have the "philosgen" spars (did I spell that right?)

Definitely look forward to talking to you guys over the next 3 months til I finish this project!

The later -6 wing kits had some "pre-punched" skins but the ribs were not punched. The 7 and up models are not "pre-punched" although that term is used a lot, often incorrectly. They are "matched hole" construction, meaning the skins and underlying rib/ bulkhead both come with the holes in them. "Pre-punched" as in the wing skins of the later RV-6 and early RV-8s were an evolutionary step towards the current state of the art, matched hole.

The -6 fuselage was never even pre-punched, so it is entirely done by hand. As Gary noted, it's the most popular homebuilt ever, so that's hardly a reason not to take it on as a project.

Thanks Jeff,

I sincerely appreciate the information.

I wonder if I send the skins back to Vans that they would prepunch them for me.